Hello! I spoke to Stuart this morning and here is what we spoke about!

What is your job title and main responsibilities?

I am the Programme Controller, so basically anything that goes up the transmitter is my responsibility! My day to day routine includes meeting with my breakfast presenter, a bit of production, loading copy updating Facebook and website pages, scheduling music oh, and presenting Drivetime on Newbury Sound and Andover Sound.

Where did you begin your broadcast career?

I started out at Isle of Wight Radio 21 years ago as a volunteer, wasn’t sure what I wanted to do for a career but once I was bitten by the radio bug I was hooked. Isle of Wight radio was and still is a great radio station and offers youngsters a great opportunity to learn and develop new skills of they are willing to learn. I still present a weekend show for the station and love being part of the team again, especially as it is locally run again by people who really care about the station and its staff.

What made you want to work in radio?

The thrill of talking to people over the radio and playing music too, I love music and get a real buzz out of playing songs that get a reaction. There is something very personal about radio, I love that one to one you have with the audience.

Where do you see the radio industry in ten years?

Not sure about that one as the industry is changing so fast these days, I think we will have the national brands but local stations and community radio will thrive in the next decade, especially in those areas of the country left without a truly local radio station. In some ways, we will go full circle.

What makes a good interview?

Emotion and passion from the interviewee, I hate talking to someone and then having one word replies or scripted responses. It needs to be real, this can make compelling radio.

What has been your favourite interview and why?

Probably Gabrielle a few years ago, she came in relaxed and so happy to just keep talking as long as we wanted too, no 10 minute time constraints. She was funny and totally natural, came across really well to the audience too. Christopher Biggins was also hilarious as you would expect!

Thinking about your radio career, what are you most proud of?

Winning 2 Station of the Year awards at Spire FM and jumping out of a plane for Help for Heroes!
If you weren’t working in radio, what do you think you would be doing?
Something to do with technology I think, I am a bit of a gadget addict so would like to think I would be something like that.